Revamped website

The new site is certainly an improvement. Now, the header menu is much more streamlined, with categories more deeply nested. I particularly like how it points users to shop by interests such as ‘health enthusiast’ and ‘caramel lover’ – especially good considering most consumers turn to the retailer for gifting purposes.

The site’s focus on discovery also extends to the ‘Gift Creator’ – a feature that helps consumers build bespoke and personalised presents.

There are other good features too, such as the ability to check in-store stock, and handy information on ‘letterbox friendly’ items on product pages.

It’s far from perfect. There are still frustrating niggles, such as awkward and slow load times and a poor filter tool.

However, it offers a far better UX than before, with these new features perhaps contributing to more online purchases where consumers might have once abandoned their baskets or abandoned their search.

Shop and café format

Another factor that has contributed to increased consumer interest in Hotel Chocolat is its new café and shop format, with the retailer now rolling out 18 of these stores in locations across the UK.

While the retailer already has an affiliated restaurant in London (called Rabot 1745), it has been able to further capitalise on its well-known brand name and USP of a chocolate-themed café. Instead of just boxed confectionary, shop+café’s sell hot drinks and ‘eat-in’ food including porridge and brownies. This had led to a reported increase in footfall, with the retailer giving passers-by an extra reason to enter and linger.

Meanwhile, where Hotel Chocolat has been unable to introduce the full café format into certain locations, it has still added extras like its ‘Ice Cream of the Gods’ service where possible. Again, this is likely to have helped increase footfall and boost sales (particularly during hot weather spells).

Tasting experiences

Alongside adding a café element to its stores, Hotel Chocolat has entered into the world of events and experiences. It launched its ‘chocolate lock-ins’ series, offering shoppers the chance to attend tasting sessions in-stores after hours. Similarly, it now holds chocolate-making workshops for kids, as well as more in-depth ‘bean to bar’ learning workshops.

By creating memorable experiences, Hotel Chocolat is able to connect with consumers in a much more meaningful way. Instead of simply providing a product, it also enables the brand to give consumers something of real value, which in turn is likely to increase loyalty in the long-run.

While rival Thorntons has also experimented with events - last year teaming up with Bompass & Parr to create a ‘sensory pod’ in Westfield shopping centre – it hasn’t invested in any long-term endeavour.

Subscription boxes

Another area of expansion is Hotel Chocolat’s new subscription box service, which is set to launch next year after a successful test run. Called ‘Tasting Club’, it offers consumers the chance to receive a selection of curated chocolate in the post each month.

Hotel Chocolat is marketing it as something of an elite members’ club, building on the exclusive nature of tasting products before they’re sold in stores.

Naturally, the subscription model will also provide the brand with the opportunity to capture recurring sales, hooking consumers in to a rolling service each month. This kind of service also allows brand to develop a relationship with those who sign up – as well as the opportunity to deepen it further by surprising them with offers and innovative boxes.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether the model is a true success in the long-term. There is the danger that subscribers will soon lose interest or sign-up for a single box – especially if the retailer does not diversify its offering. However, with a successful trial period, it is certainly a sign that there is a demand for the brand’s product.

Expanding its core product

Finally, another reason Hotel Chocolat could be capturing consumers is the fact that it continues to experiment and diversify its product range.

Instead of just food, the retailer now sells its own coffee and alcoholic drinks including cocoa infused gin, vodka and beer – as well as traditional prosecco specifically chosen to accompany its chocolate. Meanwhile, it also sells popular Christmas and birthday hampers and even its own brand recipe book.

While this is bound to be a draw, it is also important to note how Hotel Chocolat’s brand ethos contributes to its overall appeal. With a dedication to sustainable and ethical cocoa farming, it has been able to build a reputation for high quality in every sense.

On the back of its recent profits, Hotel Chocolat has also invested in British manufacturing operations in order to ramp up production – a sure-fire sign that it’s enjoying the sweet taste of success.

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Comments (2)

Tim Curtis, Managing Director at Duxbridge Ltd

Hi Nikki. Their Chocolate Tasting Club has been running for years - I think it has over 100k members now. I agree it's great for loyalty and repeat sales. Also, as I believe their famous chocolate bond was sold primarily to members of the club, it's even been a cheap source of growth capital! Cheers, Tim

2 months ago

Carlos Hansell, Software Developer at Vidmate

Love reading the recommendations of other people I am always looking for new blogs to read, I will take a look into this! http://www.vidmateapks.com/

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